Polarstar

Polar Star Expeditions’ Background

M/V Polar Star was built in Finland, and served in the Swedish Maritime Administration’s fleet of icebreakers under the name of Njord. Today, the M/V Polar Star, an expedition cruise ship, is owned and operated by Polar Star Expeditions, formed in 2000 and a company of Karlsen Shipping. When the M/V Polar Star was purchased in 2000, she underwent a complete retrofit and upgrades, and was then renamed after her namesake that served Karlsen’s Arctic cruise program.

Karlsen Shipping, the parent company, is an old Norwegian family business originating from the northwestern coast of Norway. It is now headquartered in Halifax, Canada and is solely owned by Martin Karlsen. With over l00 years experience in many aspects of the marine industry, Karlsen Shipping has operated primarily in the Polar Regions.

The M/V Polar Star is large enough to voyage to remote areas in comfort, yet small enough to enter remote destinations that other vessels can only sail past. The ship explores nature’s most breathtaking wonders, local culture and history, and its voyages offer magnificent wildlife on a journey that is spirited with a sense of discovery. The M/V Polar Star carries ten Zodiacs (small inflated watercraft) allowing passengers access to unique locations.

The M/V Polar Star boasts an exceptional on-board team. The Captain and the crew are recognized as some of the best in the industry, and focus on the ship’s operations and safety. Polar Star’s Expedition Leader, together with the Captain and officers, plans the day’s itinerary. A group of talented men and women: naturalists, lecturers, guides, and zodiac drivers assist the Expedition Leader daily to create a full and varied learning experience. Within the ship’s informal and relaxed atmosphere, the hotel Manager and team will treat you with their superior warm service and gracious hospitality.

Polar Star’s clients have expressed that the M/V Polar Star has some of the “industry bests” on board including an extremely spacious bridge with an open bridge policy; a large observation lounge/lecture hall with seating for all passengers and 180°+ viewing; one of the best standard cabins (the K3); and a superior amount of outside viewing areas. In addition to the forty-eight passenger cabins, the common areas also includes: a shop, a charming library, a bar, and a fitness facility. The dining room seats all passengers in one sitting, and the varied international menu is prepared fresh on-board.

Polar Star Expeditions’ commitment is “to create meaningful and memorable cruise expeditions to remote destinations – alive with the energy and power of untouched nature”. With a capacity for one hundred passengers, the M/V Polar Star’s on-board experience is ideal—there is a contagious shared spirit of adventure. Polar Star Expeditions offer their clients the opportunity to intimately view and engage with the environment. Every day offers first-hand excitement whether it is an exotic community; a playful pod of whales; a group of polar bears lounging; or a colony of penguins busy about their day. As well as educational and historical, a voyage on the M/V Polar Star is a magical, thrilling, and enchanting journey.